THE hugely popular monster trucks will be able to race side-by-side on Bournemouth Beach for the first time this Wheels Festival.

Thanks to the recent beach replenishment works, these massive trucks, finally have room to manoeuvre.

Joining them in the Coastal BID Monster Truck Arena this year, back by popular demand, will be stunt driver Matt Coulter, AKA The Kangaroo Kid.

"Matt's incredible showmanship made his Kangaroo Kid display one of last year's biggest crowd pleasers," a festival spokesman explained. "After the success of his Wheels debut in 2015, Matt is returning to Bournemouth’s beaches to perform his daredevil stunts on all three days of the festival.

"He's delighted to welcome sidekick and champion quad racer, Paul Hannam, back for another season with the Kanga team."

The three-day Wheels Festival is set to roar into life on Friday.

There will be a host of activities and shows along the seafront, the Lower Gardens, and a demonstration straight on East Overcliff Drive.

Matt first experienced the thrills of motorbike racing after his mum bought him a 70cc Honda bike, back in Australia in 1969. He went onto become a professional quad bike racer, before his career as a showman took off with performances across the UK.

"In 1992 Matt tried to jump his bike over a steamboat and ripped every ligament in his knee, as well as a nerve which left his leg partially paralysed," the festival spokesman explained.

"A year after the first paddle steamer attempt, Matt tried again but landed badly, breaking his leg.

"Doctors told him they would need to amputate his leg at the knee, but he convinced them to leave it and, to this day, walks with a limp and has no feeling in his foot."

Matt and Paul will perform stunts and jumps on specially fitted quad bikes, including one with a roll cage.

One of the other main draws to the festival arena will be the monster truck Big Pete. Just one of a number of monster trucks taking part this year, Big Pete tips the scales at a massive seven-and-a-half tonnes.

Big Pete will be joined by Slingshot, the monster truck designed by racing legend Karl Swallow. Slingshot was built in 2006 and is renowned for being the first European truck to jump a bus.

Festival director Jon Weaver is urging people to get along to this year's event. "There really is something for everyone," he added.

Visitors will be able to buy grandstand seats priced at £2 for a single show - Monster Trucks only - or £3 for a combined show with the Kangaroo Kid.

Visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/wheels